For too many of our children, attending school can be a frightening experience. A recent study found that 9 out of 10 LGBT students experience some form of mistreatment in school. As parents, families, friends, and allies we need to do something to make schools safer for ALL students.

PFLAG National created the Cultivating Respect: Safe Schools For All initiative, which seeks to provide support, education, and advocacy to students, parents, families, friends, and educators to help them create a learning environment that is conducive to the educational success of all students. PFLAG chapters are in their communities working directly with schools and their stakeholders to provide support, resources, training, model policy, and creative programs to create this environment of respect.

PFLAG's decades-long history has placed us on the front lines of fighting innumerable instances of bullying, harassment, and discrimination in our nation’s schools and communities, and partnerships have always been vital to the success of these community efforts. We are holding up one such partner—GLSEN—at the national level. This organization has been PFLAG’s longtime ally and partner on safe schools work. You can find out more about GLSEN by clicking through the Featured Partner piece to the right.

Ready to get started? Here are the top ten ways you can find support, get education, and become an advocate for safe schools:

Learn the Facts - Students who are, or are perceived to be, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender—LGBT—are at a higher risk for depression, self-harm, and dropping out of school.

Understand the Language - Using respectful and appropriate language is an important benchmark to set a tone of respect and understanding.

Stop Bad Behavior - Don’t ignore or excuse discriminatory behaviors or harassment, and don’t be immobilized by fear: Not taking action can endanger students and make the classroom unsafe.

Set the Policy - A strong and inclusive anti-harassment policy not only protects students; it also protects the school.

Be Public - Adults should go public with their support for diversity, and oppose bullying and harassment. Signs, stickers and other public displays tell youth that their diversity is welcomed, supported, and protected.